After reading reports of the Pennsylvania grand jury, I can no longer trust that my children are safe in the State of Louisiana. I am both outraged and disturbed by what they found.

As a resident of the state of Louisiana, I ask and implore you to conduct an independent investigation into probable sexual abuse of children and minors by clergy in the Catholic Church. Serious criminal acts were committed by Catholic clergy in Pennsylvania. We fear harm to hundreds or perhaps thousands of children in the state of Louisiana have also occurred.

The shocking Grand Jury Report demonstrates a cavalier disregard for children’s health and safety. It is imperative that the investigation include the following three factors: 1) be independent and separate from the church, 2) employ subpoena authority, and 3) compel testimony under oath.

Our community relies on you and other organizations of law enforcement for the safety of our community. Perpetrators of these crimes, and those responsible for covering up these crimes, need to be held accountable. This initiative will protect future children from sexual assault in our great state. We need to make the very strong statement that there will be criminal consequences for protecting an institution over the safety and well being of a child.

Out of the 1000 victims in the state of Pennsylvania, only 2 will be able to seek justice do to PA SOL laws.

The PA Grand Jury Report is replete with story after story of how the Church turned their back to their victims. Please don’t do the same to the victims in Louisiana. These survivors deserve more from this great state.